Chicago Bike Messenger Accident Lawyer

Experienced Chicago Law Firm Fighting for Injured Bike Messengers

A Chicago bike messenger accident lawyer at Rosenfeld Injury Law can help you seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Bike messengers face daily risks from careless drivers, poorly maintained roads, and hazardous intersections like LaSalle and Wacker or Milwaukee Avenue’s designated bike lanes.

In one case, we recovered $499,000 for a bike messenger struck by a vehicle exiting a parking garage in Chicago. Through discovery, our attorneys proved the driver was unfamiliar with the area and unaware of two-way traffic. The settlement was secured within four months of litigation for nearly the full available insurance coverage.

Common Causes of Bike Messenger Accidents in Chicago

Understanding the common causes of bike accidents involving messengers can help injured cyclists recognize their rights and seek compensation after a crash.

• Dooring accidents – A driver or passenger opens a car door into a bike lane, giving a cyclist no time to react.
• Right-hook and left-hook accidents – A motor vehicle turns into a cyclist’s path at an intersection, cutting them off.
• Rear-end collisions – Drivers following too closely or failing to notice a cyclist stop or slow down.
• Intersection accidents – Drivers ignoring traffic laws, running red lights, or failing to yield.
• Sideswipe accidents – Cars passing too closely, forcing cyclists off the road.
• Road hazards – Potholes, construction zones, and debris creating dangerous conditions.
• Aggressive or distracted driving – Speeding, drunk driving, or road rage.

Common Injuries Suffered by Bike Messengers

With little protection, bike messengers often suffer serious injuries in crashes, leading lead to costly treatment and long recoveries.

• Head injuries – Traumatic brain injuries and concussions can cause long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Fractures – Collisions often result in broken arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones, requiring extensive recovery.
• Road rash and lacerations – Severe abrasions and cuts from sliding on pavement can lead to infections and scarring.
• Spinal cord injuries – Severe injury to the spine may cause paralysis or chronic pain.
• Internal injuries – Blunt force trauma can lead to organ damage or internal bleeding.
• Facial injuries – Facial impacts often result in broken teeth or jaw fractures, requiring costly treatment.

Important Illinois Laws and Regulations for Bike Messengers

Chicago enforces specific laws to protect bike messengers and ensure safety on the road. Understanding these laws can help injured cyclists determine liability and strengthen their legal claims.

• Per the Municipal Code of Chicago, Chapter 4-168-020, bicycle messenger services must register with the city.
• Per Chapter 4-168-050, employers need to provide liability insurance coverage for messengers.
• Chapter 4-168-070 requires licensed bicycle messenger services to supply each messenger with a safety helmet and a visible identification garment.
• Per Chapter 4-168-060, businesses must maintain delivery logs.
• Section 9-52-020 prohibits bicycles from operating on Lake Shore Drive and any public way where signs indicate such a restriction.
• As detailed in the Illinois Rules of the Road, cyclists must follow posted speed limits.
• Per 625 ILCS 5/11-1502, cyclists must obey traffic laws, including yielding when required.
• Per Section 9-80-035, drivers must check for cyclists before opening doors to prevent accidents.

Determining Liability in Chicago Accidents Involving Bike Messengers

Liability in a bike messenger accident often depends on negligence. Illinois adheres to a modified comparative negligence system, as outlined in 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, meaning an injured cyclist can still recover compensation even if partially at fault. Potential defendants include at-fault drivers, employers, or even the city if road hazards contributed to the crash.

Steps to Take After a Bike Messenger Accident in Chicago

After a bike messenger accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights.

• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Report the accident to the police.
• Document the accident scene and collect witness contact information.
• Report the accident to your employer.
• Preserve evidence – keep your damaged bicycle, helmet, and clothing.
• Track medical treatment and expenses.
• Avoid giving statements to insurance companies.

Bike Messengers Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Illinois

Established under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the Illinois statute of limitations for a bicycle accident personal injury claim is two years from the date of the incident. Exceptions to the Illinois personal injury statute of limitations include cases involving minors, wrongful death, government entities, and delayed injury discovery.

Why You Need Skilled Legal Counsel

Hiring experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorneys ensures your rights are protected after a crash. We gather evidence, prove liability, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation. We handle complex legal issues, calculate bicycle accident settlements to include damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and fight for maximum recovery.

Consult a Chicago Bike Messenger Accident Lawyer Near You!

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle messenger accident in Chicago, Rosenfield Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.Call our law firm at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation. We are located at 225 Wacker Drive, #1660 in Chicago, Illinois 60606.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.